Dubai's Car Rental Market
Dubai has become one of the biggest car rental centers in the Middle East and there are hundreds of local and international car rental companies operating in this market. Such a wide range of choices has left many customers with a hard question to answer:
Which company should I hire to rent my car within Dubai; a local or international one?
This article analyzes the variations between the two types and presents the most significant criteria to make the right choice.
1. Price and Flexibility in Offers
- Local companies: Give a discount and a competitive deal particularly to long term customers.
- International companies: Their costs are fairly high, yet they have complex packages with insurances and other facilities.
2. Reliability and Reputation
- International companies: A uniform set of standards and internationally assured quality of service.
- Local companies: Some provide customized service and customer care, though you need to look at the reputation of the company before transacting business.
3. Ease of Booking and Payment
- Local companies: Offer local payment methods such as cash or bank transfer within the UAE.
- International companies: Often rely on credit card payments and bookings via websites and apps.
4. Insurance and Additional Services
- International companies: Offer comprehensive international insurance and additional services such as roadside assistance.
- Local companies: They may offer limited insurance, but some companies, such as Quick Lease, offer comprehensive insurance plans at competitive prices.
5. Location and Accessibility
• Local companies: Usually found in the city or within residential neighborhoods.
• International companies: Good footprints at Dubai international airport and tourist centers.
6. Customer Service and Support
- International companies: These kind of firms usually offer 24/7 multilingual support to their customer.
- Local companies: You can also make support more personal and immediate, particularly to repeat customers.
7. When to Choose Local or International car rental companies?
• Choose local companies if:
- You're looking for lower prices.
- You need flexible and personalized service.
- You are staying for a long period and need a monthly or annual contract.
• Choose international companies if:
- You prefer globally trusted brands.
- You need a luxury or premium car.
- You prefer to pre-book your car online.
Top Options for International car rental companies in Dubai
- Quick Lease (Local): Has flexible plans and competitive rates, which are appropriate to both businesses as well as residents.
- Hertz (Global): Reputed to have quality service and worldwide coverage.
- Avis (Global): Gives business deals and business travelers deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do domestic rates necessarily cost less than international rates?
It is probably the same but there are some international corporations with seasonal offers that can make the price similar.
Q2: Which one is more appropriate to the Dubai residents?
Local companies like Quick Lease are usually better for residents due to their flexible contracts and rates.
Q3: Are there any international rental companies in every emirate?
Yes, the majority of them are in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Q4: Is it possible to collect my car at the airport using a local service?
This service can be provided by some local companies, but the international companies are more common in airports.
Q5: Can we have monthly contracts with foreign companies?
Yes but they tend to be more costly than monthly contracts with local companies.
Conclusion
The decision between local and international rental companies in Dubai will rely on your requirements along with budget.
In case you want cheap rates and options, local agencies such as Quick Lease will be a great choice. International companies such as Hertz and Avis are the better option in case you want to use international brands and high reliability.
